Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

If you have ash trees, stop and learn more before you act.

The potential threat of emerald ash borer (EAB) is real; however, acting withoutunderstanding the specific threat to your trees, regulations andquarantines, and your options, could cause the unnecessary loss oftreasured shade trees, or loss of substantial income from your woodlot.This Asian beetle infests and kills North American ash species (Fraxinussp.) including green, white, black and blue ash. Thus, all native ash treesare susceptible. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in theouter bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inchlong with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purpleabdomen. They may be present from late May through early Septemberbut are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include treecanopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ashborer is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in theU.S. since its discovery in Michigan. For more information and pictures,see http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.htmlIf you think you have EAB, call the Department's EAB and Firewoodhotline at 1-866-640-0652.